Niner Noise
FanSided

Redrafting the San Francisco 49ers’ horrible 2013 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the Steelers’ game against the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the Steelers’ game against the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2, Pick No. 40: Running Back Le’Veon Bell, Michigan State

Original Pick: EDGE Tank Carradine

Let me ask you a simple question — who would you rather have on the 49ers right now, Tank Carradine or Le’Veon Bell?

With a pick acquired from the Tennessee Titans, Trent Baalke tried to find a long-term replacement for an aging 3-4 defensive end, Justin Smith, by picking up the former Florida State pass-rusher, Carradine.

Carradine was coming off a collegiate injury though, marking the first time Baalke took a gamble on a player with such a risk. The idea was to let Carradine marinate, eventually turning him into a prolific pass-rushing force.

Four years, and only four sacks later, it hasn’t happened.

Meanwhile, Bell has been one of the most prolific running backs in the NFL. 2014 saw him hit 1,361 rushing yards en route to Pro Bowl honors and a first-team All-Pro accolade. And it isn’t as if the Niners didn’t have the need here.

While no one could have predicted then-49ers running back Frank Gore would continue his storybook career this far, San Francisco did have a need to replace him.

Bell would have been an amazing fit.